Foreword by beyondblue CEO Leonie Young
I am pleased to present this scoping study as an important contribution to addressing the risk factors for depression, anxiety and related disorders in the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities. As beyondblue heads into its third term to 2015, we are extending our research efforts to address and lessen the impact of depression and anxiety disorders throughout Australia. We are committed to addressing the burden of these common but disabling illnesses and the stigma that so often accompanies the illnesses.
To date, research findings on the prevalence of depression and anxiety and risk factors for gay, lesbian and bisexual communities has been inconsistent and no single nationwide study exists.
These issues - along with anecdotal reports of the high prevalence disorders and suicide risk - prompted a partnership between beyondblue and the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. We undertook a large-scale review of International and Australian reports published from 2000 to 2008. The following pages provide a more accurate reflection of the state of the mental health of non-heterosexual people in our community.
The results of this paper suggest that same-sex attracted young people, particularly women, are the group most susceptible to depression and suicide. Furthermore, those who identify as bisexual are at higher risk of developing mental health problems than gay or lesbian people.
We know that in many cases mental health problems in same sex attracted people may be preventable. They are always treatable and effective treatments are now available. In addressing depression for non-heterosexual people, increased efforts are needed to combat discrimination in the general community and, as with everything beyondblue does, to reduce the stigma that so often prevents people from seeking and receiving the help they need.
beyondblue will use the results of this scoping study to commission further research which will aim to improve prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems and reduce the associated stigma. We look forward to working with those who share our interest to work with us in this important area, opening eyes to depression across Australia.
Research
Executive Summary: FEELING QUEER AND BLUE: A review of the literature on depression and related issues among gay, lesbian, bisexual and other homosexually active people.
Full Report: FEELING QUEER AND BLUE: A review of the literature on depression and related issues among gay, lesbian, bisexual and other homosexually active people.
Issues Paper: To read about mental health, depression and anxiety in same-sex attracted people download our research Issues Paper.
Other Research on Mental Health within the GLBTI Community
The NHMRC has funded a study investigating the mental health of gay men accessing general practices in Australia. Published articles arising from this study are listed below:
Article: Experiences in managing problematic crystal methamphetamine use and associated depression in gay men and HIV positive men: in-depth interviews with general practitioners in Sydney, Australia.
Article: GPs understanding of how depression affects gay and HIV positive men
© 2009 Australian Family Physician. Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Text and images copyright of Australian Family Physician. Permission to reproduce must be sought from the publisher, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Article: Rates of depression among men attending high-HIV-caseload general practices in Australia.
Article: Features of the management of depression in gay men and men with HIV from the perspective of Australian GPs.
Report: Primary health care project on HIV and depression
Article: Social factors associated with Major Depressive Disorder in homosexuality active, gay men attending general practices in urban Australia
Article: Self-Reported Sexual Difficulties and their Association with Depression and Other Factors among Gay Men Attending High HIV-Caseload General Practices in Australia
Media articles
- A cocktail for craziness - feature article by Peter Canavan on depression in HIV positive gay men. Published in Postive Living magazine, June 2009
